Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Alcedinidae
Genus: Alcedo
Species: A. atthis
Common Names
English: Common Kingfisher / Eurasian Kingfisher
Hindi: नीलकंठ मछलीमार (Neelkanth Machlimar)
Bengali: ছোট মাছরাঙা (Chhoto Machhranga)
Appearance
Size: About 16–17 cm long
Wingspan: 24–26 cm
Weight: 30–40 grams
Color:
Upperparts: Brilliant metallic blue and turquoise
Underparts: Rich orange to chestnut
Beak: Long, pointed, and black
Legs: Bright red or orange
The vivid contrast of blue and orange makes it one of the most photogenic birds in the world.
Breeding
Breeds during summer and monsoon seasons (March–July in India).
Nests in tunnel-like burrows dug into riverbanks.
Lays 5–7 eggs, both parents take turns incubating.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Although widespread, it faces local threats from polluted water bodies, loss of riverbanks, and pesticides reducing fish availability.
Description
The Common Kingfisher is a dazzling bird that captures attention with its brilliant blue and orange plumage. Its upperparts shimmer with turquoise and cobalt hues, while the underparts glow with a rich chestnut-orange tone.
This small yet powerful bird has a long, sharp black bill designed for precision fishing and bright orange legs that add to its charm. Males and females appear similar, though the female’s lower mandible often has an orange tint.
A true gem among Indian birds, the Common Kingfisher combines grace, agility, and beauty in perfect balance.
Habitat
The Common Kingfisher thrives near rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, and mangroves — anywhere clean, slow-moving or still water exists with abundant fish.
It prefers areas with overhanging branches or reeds for perching and soft riverbanks for nesting burrows. The presence of this bird is often considered an indicator of a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
Behavior
Renowned for its precision hunting, the Common Kingfisher perches patiently before diving headfirst into the water to catch small fish or aquatic insects.
After swallowing its prey whole, it later regurgitates a pellet or vomit ball made of indigestible parts like fish bones and scales — a natural digestive process.
Territorial and solitary, it defends its fishing grounds fiercely. During breeding, pairs work together to dig nest tunnels in mudbanks, where they raise their young.
In this image, the bird is captured in a rare moment while expelling a pellet (vomit ball) — showcasing one of nature’s most fascinating behaviors.
Distribution
The Common Kingfisher is widely distributed across India, South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and North Africa.
In India, it can be seen along rivers, ponds, lakes, and backwaters — from the Himalayas to coastal plains. It is a familiar sight to birdwatchers and nature photographers throughout the subcontinent.
Photography Details
Photographer: Samar Prasad (SamPixPro)
Location: Purulia, West Bengal, India
Category: Wildlife Photography / Bird Photography
Camera Subject: Common Kingfisher regurgitating a pellet (vomit ball) perched near water
Keywords: Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, Indian birds, blue kingfisher, small bird, river bird, wildlife photography India, SamPixPro, birdwatching India, nature photography, aquatic birds
Interesting Facts
Its dazzling blue isn’t pigment — it’s caused by light refraction through feather structure.
A kingfisher’s eyes have special membranes that protect them underwater while diving.
It can hover briefly like a hummingbird before diving for prey.
Its presence indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem — often called a bioindicator bird.